Bale stacker

ABSTRACT

A bale stacker and method of using a bale stacker for consolidating a plurality of bales into a bale stack. The bale stacker including a bale stacker chassis supported for translational motion over a surface and one or more: of a bale lift, a bale receiving platform disposed over the bale stacker chassis to receive bales released from the bale lift, a bale transfer table disposing a plurality of bales in bale stack, a bale stack bed having at least one fork movable to abut a bale stack on said bale stack bed, a bale shuffler operable to engage the bale stack to align the bales in the bale stack, and a bale stack push of operable to engage the bale stack disposed on said bale stack bed in primarily vertical orientation to push a plurality of bale stacks off from the bale stack bed.

This United States Patent Application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/100,014, filed Nov. 20, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No.11,337,373, issued May 24, 2022, hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A bale stacker and method of using a bale stacker for consolidating aplurality of bales into a bale stack.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Forage, such as hay and crop residue, such as corn stalks and straw ofcereal plants, can be formed into bales having substantially uniformrectangular dimensions of bale length (L), bale width (W) and baleheight (H). A bale has a bottom wall opposite a top wall each havingsubstantially identical area of L×W, and having two opposite sidewalls,each having substantially identical area H×L, and having to opposite endwalls, each having substantially identical area H×W. If the forage is tobe transported or stored, the bales can be consolidated in a bale stackby abutting a bottom wall to a top wall and optionally further abuttingbale stack side walls to consolidate a plurality of bale stacks into abale bundle.

Bale stackers to consolidate bales into bale stacks are known; however,conventional machines have a number disadvantages in picking bales up,moving individual bales into a bale stack, aligning the bale walls in abale stack, aligning stack walls in a plurality of bale stacks, orpushing bale stacks or bale bundles off from the bale stacker, whichdisadvantages can reduce the uniformity of the bale stack or bale bundlewhich can result in unstable bale stacks or bale bundles which maydissociate and require re-stacking, or damage or break open balesresulting in lost forage. Additionally, the disadvantages reduce thespeed and capacity of the bale stacker.

There would be substantial advantages in a bale stacker which addressedthe disadvantages in the conventional bale stacker resulting in moreuniform bale stacks and bale bundles and increased speed and capacity ofa bale stacker.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide a balestacker and method of using a bale stacker for consolidating a pluralityof bales into a bale stack. The bale stacker including a bale stackerchassis supported for translational motion over a surface, andincluding:

-   -   a bale lift having a pair of elongate lift arms pivotally        coupled to the chassis front end by lift arm first ends and lift        arm second ends rotatably coupled to a bale gripper head        including a bale gripper crosspiece and a pair of bale gripper        arms each including one elongate bar correspondingly pivotally        coupled by gripper arm first ends to opposite bale gripper        crosspiece ends and outwardly extending to terminate in a        gripper arm second ends, the bale gripper head operable grip a        bale and rotate to lift the bale from the surface, the pair of        elongate arms rotatable from a primarily horizontal orientation        to a primarily vertical orientation in relation to the bale        stacker chassis;    -   a bale receiving platform disposed over the bale stacker chassis        to receive bales released from said bale gripper head and rotate        from a primarily horizontal orientation in relation to the bale        stacker chassis toward an angle of up to about 50 degrees to        cause the bale to slide off from said bale receiving platform;    -   a bale transfer table pivotally coupled to the bale stacker        chassis and extending in an angled relation to the bale stacker        chassis to receive a plurality of bales sliding off from the        bale receiving platform in a bale stack on the bale transfer        table, the bale transfer table rotatable to a primarily vertical        orientation in relation to said bale stacker chassis to dispose        the bale stack in primarily vertical orientation to the bale        stacker chassis;    -   a bale stack bed having a bale stack bed first end pivotally        coupled to the bale stacker chassis and extending at an angle of        about twenty degrees to said bale stacker chassis with said bale        stack bed second end disposed proximate and above said bale        transfer table first end and at least one fork movable between        the bale stack bed first end and said bale stack bed second end,        whereby, the bale stack on said bale transfer table abuts said        bale stack bed second end which acts a fulcrum on which the bale        stack pivots as the bale transfer table rotates toward primarily        vertical orientation to the bale stacker chassis, thereby        disposing the bale stack onto the bale stack bed and abutting        the at least one fork moved toward said bale stack bed second        end;    -   a bale shuffler including a pair of bale shuffler arms pivotally        coupled by bale shuffler arm first ends to opposite bale stacker        chassis sides of the bale stacker chassis and upwardly extending        on opposite bale stack bed sides proximate said bale stack bed        first end to terminate in bale shuffler arm second ends, the        pair of bale shuffler arms rotatable to decrease distance        between said bale shuffler arm second ends to engage opposite        bale sides of the bale stack to align the bale sides in the bale        stack disposed on the bale stack bed and a plurality of bale        shuffler cross members coupled in spaced apart angled relation        to each of the pair of bale shuffler arms adapted to        correspondingly engage a pair of bale stacks disposed on the        bale stack bed to align bale stack sides of said pair of bale        stacks; and    -   a bale stack push off coupled to said bale stack bed, the bale        push off extendable to engage the bale stack sides of a        plurality of bale stacks disposed on said bale stack bed with        the bale stack bed disposed in primarily vertical orientation to        said bale stacker chassis with the at least one fork disposed        proximate the surface, and to push the plurality of bale stacks        off from the at least one fork to dispose the plurality of bale        stacks on the surface.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a bale liftadapted to pivotally couple to a bale stacker, including a pair ofelongate lift arms adapted to pivotally couple in spaced apart relationto a bale stacker chassis by lift arm first ends and outwardly extendingfrom the chassis to terminate in lift arm second ends, the pair ofelongate lift arms rotatable from a primarily horizontal orientation toa primarily vertical orientation in relation to the bale stackerchassis, and a bale gripper head, including a bale gripper crosspiecerotatably coupled to the lift arm second ends of the pair of elongatelift arms, and a pair of bale gripper arms each including one elongatebar having gripper arm first ends correspondingly pivotally coupled toopposite bale gripper crosspiece ends and outwardly extending from thebale gripper crosspiece ends to terminate in a gripper arm second ends,the pair of bale gripper arms rotatable to increase or decrease distancebetween the gripper arm second ends to grip a bale disposed on a surfacebetween the pair of gripper arms, and the bale gripper crosspiecerotatable to lift the bale from the surface, and the pair of elongatelift arms rotatable to lift the bale over a bale receiving surface.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a bale stackerincluding a bale transfer table having a bale transfer table first endpivotally coupled to a bale stacker chassis of the bale stacker andextending in an angled relation to said bale stacker chassis to a baletransfer table second end, the bale transfer table receiving a pluralityof bales which upon said bale transfer table into a bale stack, and abale stack bed including a bale stack bed first end pivotally mountedproximate the bale stacker chassis and extending at an angle of abouttwenty degrees to the bale stacker chassis to dispose the bale stack bedsecond end proximate and above the bale transfer table first end toallow the bale stack bed second end to abut a bale stack disposed on thebale stack transfer table, thereby providing a fulcrum on which saidbale stack pivots as the bale transfer table moves toward a primarilyvertical orientation to the bale stacker chassis to dispose a bale stackproximate the bale stack bed second end, and optionally, furtherincluding at least one fork disposed in generally orthogonal relation tothe bale stack bed movable between the bale stack bed first end and saidbale stack bed second end to allow the at least one fork to abut thebale stack disposed on said bale stack bed.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a bale stackerincluding a bale shuffler including a pair of bale shuffler arms adaptedto pivotally couple to opposite bale stacker chassis sides of a balestacker chassis of the bale stacker, the pair of bale shuffler armsupwardly extending on opposite bale stack bed sides of a bale stack bedto terminate in bale shuffler arm second ends, the pair of bale shufflerarms pivotally coupled to opposite bale stacker chassis sides of saidbale stacker each rotatable about a pivot axis by operation of ahydraulic cylinder to decrease distance between the bale shuffler armsecond ends, the pair of bale shuffler arms engaging opposite bale sidesof a bale stack to align a plurality of bale end walls in a bale stack,and optionally including, a plurality of bale shuffler cross memberscoupled in spaced apart angled relation to each of the pair of baleshuffler arms, the plurality of bale shuffler cross members adapted tocorrespondingly engage a pair of bale stacks disposed on said bale stackbed to align bale stack sides of a pair of bale stacks.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a particular embodiment of a balestacker.

FIG. 2 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stacker.

FIG. 3 is rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of a balestacker.

FIG. 4 is first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of a balestacker.

FIG. 5 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stacker.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale stacker.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a balestacker.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale lift.

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale lift.

FIG. 10 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale lift.

FIG. 11 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale lift.

FIG. 12 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale lift.

FIG. 13 is a rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale lift.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a balereceiving platform.

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a balereceiving platform.

FIG. 16 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale receiving platform.

FIG. 17 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale receiving platform.

FIG. 18 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale receiving platform.

FIG. 19 is rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of a balereceiving platform.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale transfertable.

FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a baletransfer table.

FIG. 22 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale transfer table.

FIG. 23 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale transfer table.

FIG. 24 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale transfer table.

FIG. 25 is a rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale transfer table.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale stackbed.

FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale stackbed.

FIG. 28 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stack bed.

FIG. 29 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stack bed.

FIG. 30 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stack bed.

FIG. 31 is a rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stack bed.

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a baleshuffler.

FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a baleshuffler.

FIG. 34 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale shuffler.

FIG. 35 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale shuffler.

FIG. 36 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale shuffler.

FIG. 37 is a rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale shuffler.

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale pushoff.

FIG. 39 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale pushoff.

FIG. 40 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale push off.

FIG. 41 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale push off.

FIG. 42 is front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of a balepush off.

FIG. 43 is rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of a balepush off.

FIG. 44 is a top plan view illustrating of a method of gripping a balewith a particular embodiment of a bale gripper.

FIG. 45 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method of grippinga bale with a particular embodiment of a bale gripper.

FIG. 46 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method of liftinga bale with a particular embodiment of a bale gripper to a positionabove a bale receiving platform.

FIG. 47 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method of rotatinga particular embodiment of a bale gripper to a position a bale on a balereceiving platform.

FIG. 48 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method in which abale has been positioned on a bale receiving platform.

FIG. 49 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale receiving platform inclines to allow afirst bale to slide from the bale receiving platform to a bale transfertable.

FIG. 50 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale receiving platform inclines to allow asecond bale to slide from the bale receiving platform to a particularembodiment of a bale transfer table.

FIG. 51 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aplurality of bales stack on a particular embodiment of a bale transfertable.

FIG. 52 is first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale transfer table rotates to a primarilyvertical orientation to transfer a bale stack from a particularembodiment of a bale transfer table to a particular embodiment of balestack bed.

FIG. 53 is first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale transfer table rotates from a primarilyvertical orientation an inclined orientation to dispose a first balestack on a particular embodiment of a bale stack bed.

FIG. 54 is rear end elevation view illustrating a first bale stackdisposed on a particular embodiment of a bale stack bed between aparticular embodiment of a bale shuffler with bale ends misaligned.

FIG. 55 is rear end elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale shuffler engaging opposite bale stacksides to move bale ends of a first bale stack into alignment.

FIG. 56 is a rear end perspective view of a bale stacker having a twobale stacks disposed on an embodiment of the bale stack bed.

FIG. 57 is a first side elevation view of a bale stacker having a fivebale stacks disposed on an embodiment of the bale stack bed.

FIG. 58 is first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale stack bed rotates from an inclinedorientation to a primarily vertical orientation to dispose a plurality obales stacks in a bale bundle proximate a support surface.

FIG. 59 is first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale push off outwardly extends to push abale bundle off from the bale stack bed to a support surface.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Generally, reference is made to FIGS. 1 through 59 , to describeembodiments of a bale stacker (1) and methods of using the bale stacker(1) for consolidating a plurality of bales (2) in a bale stack (3) orbale bundles (4). Embodiments of the bale stacker (1) include a balestacker chassis (5) having a chassis front end (6) and a chassis rearend (7), the bale stacker chassis (5) supported for translational motionover a surface (8). The bale stacker chassis (5) can support a drivetrain (9) including an engine (10), a transmission (11) and a pluralityof wheels (12) the components of which can be selected by those ofordinary skill in the art depending on environmental conditions andapplication parameters which condition operation of bale stacker (1).Embodiments can further include a hydraulic drive system (13) includinga hydraulic pump (14) driven by an electric motor or the engine (10) ofthe bale stacker (1) and a plurality of hydraulic actuators (15)comprising a hydraulic motor (HM) or a hydraulic cylinder (HC) to driveparticular components of the bale stacker (1), as further describedherein. The components of the hydraulic drive system (13) can beselected by those of ordinary skill in the art depending onenvironmental and application parameters which condition operation ofthe component parts of the bale stacker (1). Embodiments can furtherinclude a controller (16) operable to control certain functions ormovements of the drive train (9) or hydraulic drive system (13) of balestacker (1) based on input from sensors (17) disposed to sense themovement or relative position of various components of the bale stacker(1), the bale stack chassis (5), or components thereof. The sensors (17)can include as illustrative examples: image sensor (camera), infraredsensor (infrared camera), accelerometer, capacitive or capacitivedisplacement sensors, doppler effect sensor, eddy current sensors,inductive sensors, magnetic sensors, photoelectric sensors, reflectivitysensors, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, fiber optics sensor, halleffect sensors, touch switch, or combinations thereof. The controller(16) can comprise a mechanical controller, an electro-mechanicalcontroller, or electronic controller, or combinations thereof, which caninclude a processor (18) in communication with a non-transitory computerreadable media (19) containing a program (20) including programsubroutines, modules, or partitions of the logic executable undercontrol of the processor (18) to carry out functions of the program(20), controllers, logic control circuits, and other elements ofembodiments may be shown in block diagram form. Moreover, specificimplementations shown and described are exemplary only and should not beconstrued as the only way to implement the present disclosure unlessspecified otherwise herein. Additionally, block definitions andpartitioning of logic between various blocks is exemplary of specificimplementations; however, the present disclosure may be practiced bynumerous other partitioning solutions. For the most part, detailsconcerning timing considerations and the like have been omitted wheresuch details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of thepresent disclosure by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Asused herein, “primarily horizontal” means more horizontal than verticaland “primarily vertical” means more vertical than horizontal in relationto the bale stacker chassis (5).

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 7 , the bale stacker(1) includes one or more of a bale lift (21), a bale receiving platform(22), a bale transfer table (23), a bale stack bed (24), a bale shuffler(25) and a bale push off (26) each of which can be made and used apartfrom the other components or used in various permutations andcombinations in a bale stacker (1). In the illustrative examplesprovided by the Figures, the bale lift (21), the bale receiving platform(22), the bale transfer table (23), the bale stack bed (24), the baleshuffler (25) and the bale push off (26) are all incorporated into aparticular illustrative embodiment of the bale stacker (1); however thisis not intended to preclude embodiments that include only one, or fewerthan all, or all of the bale lift (21), the bale receiving platform(22), the bale transfer table (23), the bale stack bed (24), the baleshuffler (25) and the bale push off (26).

The Bale Lift. For economic reasons, including reducing labor costs andstorage requirements, forage or crop residues formed into small bales(2) has been largely replaced by larger bales (2) each weighing upwardsof 2000 pounds. These large bales (2) left in the field must be liftedand transported individually or lifted for consolidation into balestacks (3) or bale bundles (4); however, embodiments of the bale lift(21), the bale receiving platform (22), the bale transfer table (23),the bale stack bed (24), the bale shuffler (25) and the bale push off(26), whether individually or collectively in various permutations andcombinations of a bale stacker (1) can be scaled for use with bales (2)having any particular H×L×W whether considered by those of ordinaryskill in the art to be small bales (2) or large bales (2).

Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 8 through 13 , particularembodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need not necessarily,include a bale lift (21) including a pair of elongate lift arms (27)pivotally coupled in spaced apart relation to the chassis front end (6)of the bale stacker chassis (5) by lift arm first ends (28). The pair ofelongate lift arms (27) can outwardly extend from the chassis front end(5) to terminate in lift arm second ends (29). The pair of elongate liftarms (27) can rotate about a pivot axis (PA1) from a primarilyhorizontal orientation relative to the bale stacker chassis (5) (asshown in the example of FIGS. 44 and 45 ) to a primarily verticalorientation in relation to bale stacker chassis (5) (as shown in theexample of FIG. 46 ). The pair of elongate lift arms (27) can, but neednot necessarily, comprise tubular steel members. A lift arm crossmember(30) can be disposed proximate lift arm second ends (29). In particularembodiments, a lift arm hydraulic actuator (31) in the form of ahydraulic cylinder (HC1) can be interposed between the chassis front end(6) and the lift arm crossmember (30) which by movement of a piston rodwithin a barrel of the hydraulic cylinder (HC1) generates push or pullforce (F1) to correspondingly rotate the pair of elongate lift arms (27)about the pivot axis (PA1).

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 8 through 13 , the bale lift (21)can further include a bale gripper head (32) coupled to the pair ofelongate lift arms (27) which operates to grip opposite bale end walls(33′) (33″) with sufficient compressive forces (F2) to allow the bale(2) to be lifted by operation of the pair of elongate arms (27) and thebale gripper head (32). In particular embodiments, the bale gripper head(32) can include a bale gripper crosspiece (34) rotatably coupled tolift arm second ends (29) of the pair of elongate lift arms (27). A balegripper crosspiece lever (35) a can extend outward of the bale grippercrosspiece (34) toward the chassis front end (6). A bale grippercrosspiece actuator (36), which can be in the form off a hydrauliccylinder (HC2), can be interposed between the lift arm crosspiece (34)and the bale gripper crosspiece lever (35) to generate push or pullforce (F3) to correspondingly rotate the bale gripper crosspiece (34)about pivot axis (PA2). The bale gripper head (32) can further include apair of bale gripper arms (37′) (37″) each including one elongate bar(38) having a gripper arm first ends (39′) (39″) correspondinglypivotally coupled to opposite bale gripper crosspiece ends (40′) (40″)and outwardly extending from the bale gripper crosspiece ends (40′)(40″) to terminate in a gripper arm second ends (41′) (41″). The oneelongate bar (38) of each of the pair of bale gripper arms (37′) (37″)can, but need not necessarily be, generally rectangular in cross section(as shown in the example of FIG. 13 ); however, this is not intended topreclude embodiments of the one elongate bar (38) of each of the pair ofbale gripper arms (37′) (37″) that may have a different configuration incross section including one or more of any polygonal, quadrilateral,parallelogram or other cross sectional structure that confers theadvantage of affording a one elongate bar (38) bale gripper arm (37′)(37″).

As shown in the illustrative examples of FIGS. 12 and 13 , the oppositebale gripper crosspiece ends (40′) (40″) can each include a bifurcatemount (42′) (42″) each affording a pair of legs (43′) (43″) betweenwhich one elongate bar (38) of a corresponding gripper arm (37′) (37″)can be pivotally coupled, whereby the pair of bale gripper arms (37′)(37″) can be correspondingly rotated about pivot axis (PA3) (PA4) toincrease or decrease distance between said gripper arm second ends (41′)(41″) to grip a bale (2) between the pair of gripper arms (37′) (37″).In particular embodiments, each pivot axis (PA3) (PA4) can be disposedmedially between gripper arm first and second ends (41′) (41″) (42′)(42″), to provide a first gripper arm portion (44) and a second gripperarm portion (45) extending in opposite directions from each pivot axis(PA3) (PA4). Gripper arm actuators (46′) (46″), hydraulic cylinders(HC3) (HC4), can be correspondingly interposed between each gripper armfirst end (39′) (39″) and the gripper arm crosspiece (34) to generatepush or pull force (F4) (F5) to correspondingly rotate each of the pairof gripper arms (37′) (37″) about a corresponding pivot axis (PA3) (PA4)to increase or decrease distance between the gripper arm second ends(41′) (41″). There can be an substantial advantage in a pair of gripperarms (37′) (37″) which each comprise one elongate bar (38) in thatcompressive force (F4) (F5) delivered by the pair of gripper arms (37′)(37″) configured as or consisting of only one elongate bar (38) providesubstantially greater grip on the opposite bale end walls (33′) (33″)which can reduce or alleviate slippage of the bale (2) gripped by thepair of gripper arms (37″) (37″). In particular embodiments, balegripper arms (37′) (37″) including only one bar (38) can further includea gripper arm end piece (47′) (47″) joined to the gripper arm second end(41′) (41″). The gripper arm end pieces (47′) (47″) can correspondinglyextend inward from each of the pair of gripper arms (37′) (37″),extending toward one another, to enhance compressive forces (F4) (F5)proximate the gripper arm second ends (41′) (41″). In particularembodiments, the gripper arm second ends (41′) (41″) can medially join acylindrical gripper arm end piece (47′) (47″) (as shown in the exampleof FIG. 11 ).

Bale Receiving Platform. Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 14 through19 , particular embodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need notnecessarily, include a bale receiving platform (22) disposed over thebale stacker chassis (5). The bale receiving platform (22) can belocated to receive bales (2) released from the bale gripper head (32)(as shown in the example of FIGS. 45 through 51 ). The bale gripper head(32) having gripped a bale (2) between the pair of bale gripper arms(37′) (37″) (as shown in the example of FIG. 44 ) can be rotated aboutpivot axis (PA2) to lift the bale from a surface (8) (as shown in theexample of FIG. 45 ). The pair of elongate lift arms (27′) (27″) canthen be rotated about pivot axis (PA1) to a primarily verticalorientation to dispose the bale (2) over the bale receiving platform(22) (as shown in the example of FIG. 46 ). The bale gripper head (32)can be further rotated about pivot axis (PA2) to engage a bale sidewall(49) with the bale receiving platform (22) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 47 ). The pair of bale gripper arms (37′) (37″) can then be rotatedabout pivot axis (PA3) (PA4) to increase distance between the gripperarm second ends (41′) (41″) to release the bale (2) from the balegripper head (32) to dispose the bale (2) on the bale receiving platform(22) (as shown in the example of FIG. 48 ).

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 14 through 19 , the balereceiving platform (22) can include a generally flat bale receiving topsurface (50) opposite a bale receiving platform bottom surface (51)joined by bale receiving platform sides (52). The bale receivingplatform (22) can, but need not necessarily, be a rectangular framework(53) including two pairs of opposite platform side members (54′) (54″)(55′) (55″) and a sufficient number of spaced apart cross members (56)to provide the generally flat bale receiving top surface (50) to supportthe bales (2); however, this is not intended to preclude embodimentswhich define a different configuration of the bale receiving platformside members (54), useful in receiving a bale (2). The bale receivingplatform (22) can supported above and in primarily horizontal relationto the bale stacker chassis (5) on a front support member(s) (57) and arear platform support member(s) (58). The bale receiving platform (22)can be pivotally coupled by a bale receiving platform rear end (59) tothe rear support members (58) and rest upon the front support members(57). The bale receiving platform (22) can rotate about the rear supportmember(s) (58) on pivot axis (PA5). A bale receiving platformactuator(s) (a (60), hydraulic cylinder (HC5), can be interposed betweenthe rear support member (58) and the bale receiving platform bottomsurface (51) of the bale receiving platform (22) to generate push pullforces (F6) to lift the bale receiving platform (22) from the frontsupport member (57) in angled relation to the bale stacker chassis (52)to allow a bale (2) to slidingly disengage the generally flat balereceiving surface (50) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 49 and 50 ). Asubstantial problem with conventional bale receiving platforms (50) canbe that bales (2) do not slidably disengage because the frictionalforces (FF) are not overcome by angled orientation of the bale receivingsurface (50) which in conventional platforms has an angle of inclinationlimited to about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees. It has been discoveredthat the problem can reside in the moisture content of the bale (2), orthe type of forage baled, or the ambient environmental conditions, orcombinations thereof, which causes a substantial increase in frictionalforces (FF) between the bale (2) and the generally flat bale receivingtop surface (50). This problem has been resolved in embodiments of theinventive bale receiving platform (22) by, first, reducing the balereceiving surface area (61) to the fewest number of spaced apartcrossmembers (56) based upon the H×L×W of the bales (2), and reducingthe dimensional relations of each crossmember (56) engaging the bale (2)to reduce frictional forces (FF), or second, increasing the angle thatcan be achieved in the bale receiving top surface (50) from theconventional 15 degrees to 20 degrees to an incrementally adjustableangle of up to about 50 degrees, or combinations thereof, to affordreliable sliding disengagement of the bale (2) over the bale receivingtop surface (50) of the bale receiving platform (22) regardless of theforage baled, the moisture content (and even if the bale (2) is wet),the ambient environmental conditions, and combinations thereof.

Bale Transfer Table. Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 20 through 25, particular embodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need notnecessarily, include a bale transfer table (23) which disposes bales (2)sliding off from the bale receiving platform (22) into a bale stack (3).The bale transfer table (23) can have a bale transfer table first end(63) pivotally coupled to the bale stacker chassis (5) to allow the baletransfer table (23) to rotate about pivot axis (PA6). The bale transfertable (23) can extend in an angled relation to the bale stacker chassis(5) to dispose a bale transfer table second end (64) proximate the balereceiving platform rear end (59). The bale transfer table (23) can bedisposed at a bale transfer table first angle (65) of about 30 degreesto about 40 degrees in relation to the bale stacker chassis (5) toreceive bales (2) which slide off from the bale receiving platform (22)(as shown in the example of FIGS. 50 and 51 ). Under influence ofgravity (G) a first bale (2′) can slide toward the bale transfer tablefirst end (63) (as shown in the example of FIG. 51 ). Similarly, asecond or more bales (2″) can slide under influence of gravity (G)toward the bale receiving table first end (63) to dispose bale sidewalls(49) in abutted engagement to generate a bale stack (3) of two or morebales (2) on the bale transfer table (23) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 52 ). By operation of a bale transfer table actuator (66),hydraulic cylinder (HC6), to generate push or pull forces (F7), the baletransfer table (23) can be rotated about pivot axis (PA6) to establishthe bale stack (3) in primarily vertical relation to the bale stackerchassis (5) (as shown in the example of FIG. 53 ).

Bale Stack Bed. Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 26 through 31 ,particular embodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need notnecessarily, include a bale stack bed (24) including a bale stack bedfirst end (68) opposite a bale stack bed second end (69). The bale stackbed (24) can be pivotally mounted proximate the bale stack bed first end(68) to the bale stacker chassis (5) to allow rotation of said balestack bed about pivot axis (PA7). The bed stack bed (24) can be disposedat a bale stack bed first angle (70) of about 15 degrees to about 25degrees to the bale stacker chassis (5) with the bale stack bed secondend (69) disposed adjacent and above the bale transfer table first end(63). The bale stack bed first angle (70), or the structuralrelationship between the bed stack bed (24) and the bale transfer table(23), and combinations thereof, confer substantial advantages overconventional bed stack beds (24) disposed horizontal to the bale stackerchassis (5) or distal from the a bed transfer table (23). In the firstinstance, as shown in the example of FIG. 51 , the bale stack bed secondend (69) disposed in angled relation to the bale transfer table firstend (63) (the illustrative example of FIG. 51 depicting a bale stack bedfirst angle of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees) can engage a firstbale sidewall (49′) of a first bale (2′) in a bale stack (3) on the baletransfer table (23). This engagement with the first bale sidewall (49′)of a first bale (2) acts as fulcrum or pivot point (PP) on which thebale stack (3) can pivot as the bale transfer table (23) rotates aboutpivot axis (PA6) to dispose the bale stack (3) in primarily verticalrelation to the bale stack bed (24) (as shown in the example of FIG. 52). Accordingly, as the bale transfer table (23) rotates to abut the balestack bed second end (69) in primarily vertical relation to the balestacker chassis (5), a first bale stack (3′) can be disposed on the balestack bed (24) (as shown in the example of FIG. 53 ). In the secondinstance, the bale stack bed first angle (70) allows the influence ofgravity (G) to assist in moving the first bale stack (3′) toward thebale stack bed first end (68) as a second bale stack (3″) (or a third ormore bale stacks (3)) transfers from the bale transfer table (23) to thebale stack bed (24) (as shown in the examples of FIGS. 57 through 58 ).

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 26 through 31 , the bale stackbed (24) can further include at least one fork (71) disposed inprimarily vertical relation to the bale stack bed (24) and movablebetween the bale stack bed first end (68) and the bale stack bed secondend (69). In the illustrative example of FIG. 30 , the bed stack bed(24) includes a pair of forks (71′) (71″) correspondingly upwardlyextending from a pair of fork carriages (72′) (72″) each having oppositecarriage sides (73′) (73″) movably correspondingly engaged to a pair ofcarriage guides (74′) (74″) extending between the bale stack bed firstend (68) and the bale stack bed second end (69) whereby movement of thepair of fork carriages (72′) (72″) corresponding move the pair of forks(71′) (71″) toward the bale stack bed second end (69). In theillustrative example, each of the pair of carriage guides (74′) (74″)comprises a pair of guide channels (75′) (75″) having open channel sides(76′) (76″) disposed in opposed spaced apart relation to correspondinglyreceive opposite carriage sides (73′) (73″) each including a pluralityof rollers (77) which correspondingly roll within the pair of guidechannels (75′) (75″). A carriage actuator (78), including a hydrauliccylinder (HC7) disposed medially between the pair of carriage guides(74′) (74″), operates to generate pulling force (F7) on a pair of cables(79) corresponding connected through a pully assembly (80) to the pairof fork carriages (72′) (72″) to move the pair of fork carriages (72′)(72″) toward the bale stack bed second end (69). The pair of forks (71′)(71″) can be positioned to engage the bale stack side (81) as a firstbale stack (3′) transfers from the bale transfer table (23) to the balestack bed (24). The at least one fork (71′) (71″) can be moved towardthe bale stack bed first end (68) by influence of gravity (G) on thefirst bale stack (3′) having abutted engagement to the pair of forks(71′) (71″) to provide space proximate the bale stack bed second end(69) to receive a second bale stack (3″). Receipt of the second balestack (3″) on the bale stack bed (24), as above described, can furtherurge the first bale stack (3″) abutted against the pair of forks (71′)(71″) toward bale stack bed first end (68). The carriage actuator (78),can be further operated or sufficiently resist movement of the pair offorks (71′) (71″) toward the bale stack bed first end (68) to compressthe first bale stack (3′) and the second bale stack (3″) and subsequentbale stacks against the bale transfer table (23) to further assureabutted engagement of bale stack sides (81) on the bale stack bed (24)(as shown in the example of FIG. 51 ).

Bale Shuffler. Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 32 through 37 ,particular embodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need notnecessarily, include a bale shuffler (25) including a pair of baleshuffler arms (82′) (82″) each pivotally coupled by bale shuffler armfirst ends (83′) (83″) to opposite bale stacker chassis sides (84′)(84″) of the bale stacker chassis (5). The pair of bale shuffler arms(82′) (82″) each upwardly extend to a primarily vertical orientationrelative to the opposite bale stack bed sides (84′) (84″) proximate saidbale stack bed second end (69) to terminate in bale shuffler arm secondends (85′) (85″). Each of the pair of bale shuffler arms (82′) (82″) cancorrespondingly rotate about a pivot axis (PA8) (PA9) by operation ofcorresponding pair of bale shuffler arm actuators (86′) (86″), includinghydraulic cylinders (HC9) (HC10) interposed between a corresponding balestacker chassis side (84′) (84″) and a corresponding one of the baleshuffler arm first ends (83′) (83″), to decrease distance between thebale shuffler arm second ends (85′) (85″). The pair of bale shufflerarms (82′) (82″) can be operated to engage opposite bale stack end walls(87′) (87″) of a first bale stack (3′), and each subsequent bale stack(3″, 3′″ . . . ), to align misaligned opposite bale stack ends (87′)(87″) in the first bale stack (3′) or subsequent bale stacks (3″, 3″′ .. . ) on the bale stack bed (24) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 56through 57 ). Embodiments of the bale shuffler (25) having bale shufflerarms (82′) (82″) that pivot about corresponding pivot axis (PA8) (PA9)by operation of hydraulic cylinders (HC9) (HC10) apply substantiallygreater compression force (CF) to opposite bale stack end walls (87′)(87″) as compared to conventional devices to align bales (2) within abale stack (3).

Particular embodiments of the bale shuffler arms (82′) (82″) can includeat least one bale shuffler upright members (88′) (88″) extending inprimarily vertical orientation to the bale stacker chassis (5) andhaving at least one bale shuffler compressor member (89′) (89″) disposedto engage opposite bale end walls (33′) (33″) or each bale (2) in a balestack (3). The at least one bale shuffler compressor member (89′) (89″)can extend in angled or generally orthogonal relation to the baleshuffler upright member (88′) (88″) which by operation of the pair ofbale shuffler actuators (86′) (86″) engages each bale shufflercompressor member (89′) (89″) with a corresponding one of the oppositebale end walls (33′) (33″) in a bale stack (3) to align opposite baleend walls (87′) (87″) in a bale stack (3) (as shown in the examples ofFIGS. 54 and 55 ). In particular embodiments as shown in theillustrative examples, the bale shuffler upright members (88′) (88″) andthe bale shuffler compressor members (89′) (89″) can comprisecylindrical members (90′) (90″) affording arcuate external surfaces(91′) (91″) over which the engaged opposite bale end walls (33′) (33″)can more readily slide to be aligned in the corresponding bale stack(3).

Bale Stack Push Off. Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 26 through31 , in particular embodiments, the bale stack bed (24) pivotallymounted proximate the bale stack bed first end (68) to the bale stackerchassis (5) can rotate about pivot axis (PA7) by operation of hydraulicactuator (67) which can comprise hydraulic cylinder (HC8) to generatepush or pull forces (F8) to dispose the bale stack bed (24) in primarilyvertical orientation to the bale stacker chassis rear end (7) (as shownin the example of FIG. 60 ). The at least one fork or pair of forks(71′) (71″) moved proximate the bale stack bed first end (68) can engageor nearly engage the surface (8) supporting the bale stacker (1).Correspondingly, the bale stacks (3′) (3″ . . . ) disposed on the balestack bed (24) and having the first bale stack (3″) engaged with thepair of forks (71′) (71″) can be correspondingly rotated to dispose thefirst bale stack side wall (49′) proximate the surface (8) supportingthe bale stacker (1) (as shown in the example of FIG. 58 ).

Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 38 through 43 , particularembodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need not necessarily,include a bale stack push off (26) coupled to the bale stack bed (24)operable between a retracted condition (92) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 38 through 39 ) and an extended condition (93) (as shown in FIGS.40-43 and 59 ) to push bale stacks (3′) (3″ . . . ) off from the atleast one fork or a pair of forks (71′) (71″) onto the surface (8)supporting the bale stacker (1) (as shown in the example of FIG. 59 ).As shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 26 , in particularembodiments, the bale stack push off (26) can be disposed between thepair of fork carriages (72′) (72″) of the bale stacker bed (24) andmedially between the bale stacker bed first end and the bale stack bedsecond end (68) (69) of the bale stack bed (24). In particularembodiments, the bale stack push off (26) can include a push offplatform (94) disposed opposite a push off frame (95) and a liftassembly (96) arranged between the push off frame (95) and the push offplatform (94) to displace the push off frame (95) and the push offplatform (94) in relation to each other by the push pull force (F9)provided by a bale stack push off actuators (97′) (97″), hydrauliccylinders (HC10′) (HC10″) to operate the lift assembly (96). In theillustrative example of FIG. 40 , the lift assembly (96) includes twopairs of lift legs (98) (99) including lift leg first ends (100′) (100″)(101′) (101″) and lift leg second ends (102′) (102″) (103′) (103″) ofeach of the two pairs of lift legs (98) 99) to move towards or away fromeach other. To ensure that the push off platform (94) remainssubstantially parallel with the push off frame during operation (95), afirst pair of the lift leg first leg ends (100′) (100″) can be connectedto the push off frame (95) and the corresponding first pair of the liftleg second leg ends (102′) (102″) can be connected to the push offplatform (94) respectively through spatially fixed rotatable joints(104). The second pair of the lift leg first ends (101′) (101″) of thepush off frame (95) and the corresponding second pair of lift leg secondends (103′) (103″) of the push off platform (94) can be connectedrespectively through spatially fixed rotatable joints (105). The firstpair of lift legs (98) and the second pair of lift legs (99) can havesubstantially equal length. The spatially fixed rotatable joints (104)(105) of the first and second pair of lift leg first and second end canbe respectively coupled to the push off platform (94) and push off frame(95) a distance apart to allow the first and second pair of legs (98)(99) second ends (102′) (102″) (103′) (103″) to concurrently travelthrough respective arcs of substantially the same radius to maintain theplatform (94) substantially parallel with the push off frame duringoperation (95) between the retracted condition (92) and the extendedcondition (93).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a bale stacker andmethods for making and using such a bale stacker.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “stack” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “stacking”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “stacking”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “stack” and even a “means forstacking”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment. Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention,the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unlessotherwise limited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein.

Further, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “coupled”or derivatives thereof can mean indirectly coupled, coupled, directlycoupled, connected, directly connected, or integrated with, dependingupon the embodiment.

Additionally, for the purposes of the present invention, the term“integrated” when referring to two or more components means that thecomponents (i) can be united to provide a one-piece construct, amonolithic construct, or a unified whole, or (ii) can be formed as aone-piece construct, a monolithic construct, or a unified whole. Saidanother way, the components can be integrally formed, meaning connectedtogether so as to make up a single complete piece or unit, or so as towork together as a single complete piece or unit, and so as to beincapable of being easily dismantled without destroying the integrity ofthe piece or unit.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the bale stackers herein disclosed and described, ii) the relatedmethods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and evenimplicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides astatement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. Thissection may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain UnitedStates patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter ofthe claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, orconcerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawntoward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patentapplication, publication, statement or other information cited orincorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admittedas prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon. The elements following anopen transitional phrase such as “comprising” may in the alternative beclaimed with a closed transitional phrase such as “consistingessentially of” or “consisting of” whether or not explicitly indicatedthe description portion of the specification.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

I claim:
 1. A bale stacker for consolidating a plurality of bales into abale stack, comprising: a bale stacker chassis having a chassis frontend and a chassis rear end supported for translational motion over asurface; a pair of elongate lift arms pivotally coupled in spaced apartrelation to said chassis front end by lift arm first ends and outwardlyextending from said chassis front end to terminate in lift arm secondends, said elongate lift arms rotatable from a primarily horizontalorientation to a primarily vertical orientation in relation to said balestacker chassis; a bale gripper crosspiece rotatably coupled to saidlift arm second ends; a pair of bale gripper arms each including oneelongate bar, said bale gripper arms having bale gripper arm first endscorrespondingly pivotally coupled to opposite bale gripper crosspieceends and outwardly extending from said bale gripper crosspiece ends toterminate in bale gripper arm second ends; a bale receiving platformdisposed over said bale stacker chassis, said bale receiving platformlocated to receive a bale from said bale gripper arms, said bailreceiving platform rotatable from a generally horizontal orientation inrelation to said bale stacker chassis toward an angled relation withsaid bale stacker chassis; a bale transfer table having a bale transfertable first end pivotally coupled to said bale stacker chassis andextending in an angled relation to said bale stacker chassis to disposea bale transfer table second end below said bale receiving platform inspaced apart relation, wherein said bale slides via gravity from saidbale receiving platform to said bale transfer table; a bale stack bedincluding a bale stack bed first end opposite a bale stack bed secondend, said bale stack bed pivotally mounted to said bale stacker chassisto allow rotation of said bale stack bed between an angle of abouttwenty degrees relative to said bale stacker chassis and an angle ofabout ninety degrees relative to said bale stacker chassis; wherein saidbale gripper arms rotatable to decrease distance between said balegripper arm second ends to secure said bale between said bale gripperarms; said bale gripper crosspiece rotatable to orient said bale gripperarms over said bale receiving platform; said bale gripper arms rotatableto increase distance between said bale gripper arm second ends torelease said bale from said bale gripper arms to said bale receivingplatform.
 2. The bale stacker claim 1, wherein said bale grippercrosspiece is rotatable to rotate said bale gripper arms about said liftarm second ends.
 3. The bale stacker of claim 2, further comprising: abale shuffler including: a pair of bale shuffler arms pivotally coupledby bale shuffler arm first ends to opposite bale stacker chassis sidesof said bale stacker chassis, said bale shuffler arms upwardly extendingon opposite bale stack bed sides proximate said bale stack bed secondend to terminate in bale shuffler arm second ends, said bale shufflerarms rotatable to decrease distance between said bale shuffler armsecond ends, said bale shuffler arms when rotated, angled toward eachother.
 4. The bale stacker of claim 3, wherein said bale shufflerfurther comprises: a plurality of bale shuffler cross members coupled inspaced apart angled relation to each of said bale shuffler arms, saidbale shuffler cross members adapted to correspondingly engage a pair ofbale stacks disposed on said bale stack bed to align bale stack sides ofsaid bale stacks.
 5. The bale stacker of claim 4, further comprising: atleast one fork disposed in generally orthogonal relation to said balestack bed, said fork movable between said bale stack bed first end andsaid bale stack bed second end.
 6. The bale stacker of claim 5, whereinwhen said bale stack resides in a stacked orientation on said baletransfer table, said bales in said stacked orientation abut said balestack bed second end.
 7. A bale stacker for consolidating a plurality ofbales into a bale stack, comprising: a bale stacker chassis having achassis front end and a chassis rear end supported for translationalmotion over a surface; a pair of elongate lift arms pivotally coupled inspaced apart relation to said chassis front end by lift arm first endsand outwardly extending from said chassis front end to terminate in liftarm second ends, said elongate lift arms rotatable from a primarilyhorizontal orientation to a primarily vertical orientation in relationto said bale stacker chassis; a bale gripper crosspiece rotatablycoupled to said lift arm second ends; a pair of bale gripper arms eachincluding one elongate bar, said bale gripper arms having bale gripperarm first ends correspondingly pivotally coupled to opposite balegripper crosspiece ends and outwardly extending from said bale grippercrosspiece ends to terminate in bale gripper arm second ends; a balereceiving platform disposed over said bale stacker chassis, said balereceiving platform located to receive a bale from said bale gripperarms, said bail receiving platform rotatable from a generally horizontalorientation in relation to said bale stacker chassis toward an angledrelation with said bale stacker chassis; a bale transfer table having abale transfer table first end pivotally coupled to said bale stackerchassis and extending in an angled relation to said bale stacker chassisto dispose a bale transfer table second end in a first orientationrelative to said bale receiving platform; a bale stack bed including abale stack bed first end opposite a bale stack bed second end, said balestack bed pivotally mounted to said bale stacker chassis to allowrotation of said bale stack bed between an angle of about twenty degreesrelative to said bale stacker chassis and an angle of about ninetydegrees relative to said bale stacker chassis; at least one forkdisposed in generally orthogonal relation to said bale stack bed, saidfork movable between said bale stack bed first end and said bale stackbed second end; wherein said bale gripper arms rotatable to decreasedistance between said bale gripper arm second ends to secure said balebetween said bale gripper arms; said bale gripper crosspiece rotatableto orient said bale gripper arms over said bale receiving platform; saidbale gripper arms rotatable to increase distance between said balegripper arm second ends to release said bale from said bale gripper armsto said bale receiving platform; said bale transfer table second end isrotatable to place said bale transfer table in a generally verticalorientation in relation to said bale stacker chassis and wherein whensaid bale transfer table resides in said generally vertical orientationand said fork is moved toward said bale stack bed second end, saidgenerally vertical orientation places said bale stack on said bale stackbed abutting said fork.
 8. The bale stacker of claim 7, wherein saidbale stack moves under influence of gravity when said fork moves towardsaid bale stack bed first end.
 9. A bale stacker for consolidating aplurality of bales into a bale stack, comprising: a bale stacker chassishaving a chassis front end and a chassis rear end supported fortranslational motion over a surface; a pair of elongate lift armspivotally coupled in spaced apart relation to said chassis front end bylift arm first ends and outwardly extending from said chassis front endto terminate in lift arm second ends, said elongate lift arms rotatablefrom a primarily horizontal orientation to a primarily verticalorientation in relation to said bale stacker chassis; a bale grippercrosspiece rotatably coupled to said lift arm second ends; a pair ofbale gripper arms each including one elongate bar, said bale gripperarms having bale gripper arm first ends correspondingly pivotallycoupled to opposite bale gripper crosspiece ends and outwardly extendingfrom said bale gripper crosspiece ends to terminate in bale gripper armsecond ends; a bale receiving platform disposed over said bale stackerchassis, said bale receiving platform located to receive a bale fromsaid bale gripper arms, said bail receiving platform rotatable from agenerally horizontal orientation in relation to said bale stackerchassis toward an angled relation with said bale stacker chassis; a baletransfer table having a bale transfer table first end pivotally coupledto said bale stacker chassis and extending in an angled relation to saidbale stacker chassis to dispose a bale transfer table second end in afirst orientation relative to said bale receiving platform; a bale stackbed including a bale stack bed first end opposite a bale stack bedsecond end, said bale stack bed pivotally mounted to said bale stackerchassis to allow rotation of said bale stack bed between an angle ofabout twenty degrees relative to said bale stacker chassis and an angleof about ninety degrees relative to said bale stacker chassis; whereinsaid bale gripper arms rotatable to decrease distance between said balegripper arm second ends to secure said bale between said bale gripperarms; said bale gripper crosspiece rotatable to orient said bale gripperarms over said bale receiving platform; said bale gripper arms rotatableto increase distance between said bale gripper arm second ends torelease said bale from said bale gripper arms to said bale receivingplatform; said bale receiving platform overlaps said bale transfer tablesecond end when said bale transfer table second end resides in saidfirst orientation relative to said bale receiving platform; said baletransfer table first end proximate said bail stack bed second end, saidbale transfer table second end distal said bale stack bed second end.10. The bale stacker of claim 9, wherein said bale transfer table isrotatable from said first orientation to a generally verticalorientation in relation to said bale stacker chassis.
 11. The balestacker of claim 8, further comprising: a bale stack push off coupled tosaid bale stack bed, said bale stack push off extendable to engage saidbale stack disposed on said bale stack bed with said bale stack beddisposed at an angle of about ninety degrees relative to said balestacker chassis and to push said bale stack off from said fork engagingsaid bale stack.
 12. The bale stacker of claim 2, wherein said balereceiving platform is rotatable from said generally horizontal positionin relation to said bale stacker chassis to an angle of up to aboutfifty degrees relative to said bale stacker chassis.
 13. A bale stackerfor consolidating a plurality of bales into a bale stack, comprising: abale stacker chassis; a bale receiving platform disposed over said balestacker chassis; a pair of bale gripper arms coupled to a bale stackerchassis front end in spaced apart relation, said bale gripper armsrotatable about a first pivot axis to dispose a bale lifted from asurface on said bale receiving platform; a bale transfer tabledownstream of said bale receiving platform; said bale receiving platformrotatable about a second pivot axis for disposition in angled relationto said bale stacker chassis and above said bale transfer table inspaced apart relation to allow said bale to slide via gravity from saidbale receiving platform to said bale transfer table; a bale stack beddownstream of said bale transfer table; said bale transfer tablerotatable about a third pivot axis to generate a bale stack of two ormore said bales proximate a bale stack bed second end; said bale stackbed rotatable about a fourth pivot axis for disposition in angledrelation to said bale stacker chassis to dispose said bale stack on saidsurface.